Wanderers have offered Sammy Lee a sensational return to the Reebok.

Just over four years since the 52-year-old was axed as manager following a disastrous start to the 2007/8 season, he is being lined up to take a leading role in the club’s youth set-up.

Lee joined Sam Allardyce’s coaching staff in 2005, having previously worked in the England backroom staff, and graduated to assistant manager before taking the reins full time.

And while his spell in the hotseat was both shortlived and unsuccessful, he remained on excellent terms with the Whites hierarchy after rejoining Liverpool as assistant to Rafa Benitez.

His long association with Anfield came to an end in June last year when he left the club by mutual consent, but Wanderers believe his coaching skills and experience at club and international level could enhance the youth ranks.

One of Owen Coyle’s main briefs in joining the club two years ago was to increase the number of homegrown players coming through the system from the £3.5million Eddie Davies Football Academy at Lostock, which reportedly costs around £1m a year to operate.

Academy boss Jimmy Phillips oversaw a number of staffing changes, including the installation of former Burnden Park favourites David Lee and Tony Kelly at the helm of the Under-18s.

And it would appear that Coyle has reaped some rewards, as he has been able to bring youngsters such as Joe Riley, Michael O’Halloran, Josh Vela, Jay Lynch, Rob Lainton and Tom Eaves into the first team set-up from the reserves.

Although Lee’s exact role is yet to be determined, it is hoped “Little Sam” will help the club continue its long term aim to become more self sufficient.